Opening assembly

ABSTRACT

A opening assembly ( 10 ) suitable for use on a can for containing carbonated beverages. The assembly ( 10 ) comprises a main part ( 14 ) with an oval opening ( 16 ). A flange ( 18 ) is provided around the underside of the opening ( 16 ), with a height inversely proportional to the diameter of the opening ( 16 ) at any point. A closure member ( 20 ) is provided comprising an upper part ( 14 ), cylindrical body part ( 30 ) which sliding fits through the opening ( 16 ), and an engagement member ( 34 ) on its underside. In a closed condition the engagement member ( 34 ) engages against the tallest part of the flange ( 18 ) to sealingly close the assembly ( 10 ). The closure member ( 20 ) can be rotated until the engagement member ( 34 ) is not engageable with the flange ( 18 ), and the member ( 20 ) can then be removed from the opening ( 16 ) to open the assembly ( 10 ). The member ( 20 ) can be replaced in the opening ( 16 ) and rotated to reclose the assembly ( 10 ).

This invention concerns improvements in or relating to openingassemblies for beverages containers, and particularly but notexclusively opening assemblies for containers usable with carbonatedbeverages; and also beverage containers including such an openingarrangement.

One type of container conventionally used for carbonated beverages is acan with a ring pull arrangement. Whilst these have proved very popular,a number of disadvantages can be encountered with them. For instance, itis not possible to dose the can once opened, and the contents thereforehave to be consumed at one time. This can be a particular problem withchildren or when travelling, in that a container could for instance beknocked over and therefore the contents spilt. Also there is a potentialhygiene problem as the top of the cans can become dirty, and this partcan come into contact with some of the can's contents and/or a persondrinking from the can.

According to the present invention there is provided an opening assemblyfor a beverage container which container is sealed after filling, theassembly comprising a main part which closes the container and in whichis provided a port, and a closure member, the assembly being arrangedsuch that in an initial condition following filling the closure membersealingly locates in the port to dose same and hence dose the container,the closure member can be removed from the port to open the container,and following opening, in a first orientation, the closure member can berelocated in the opening, and upon rotation of the closure member to asecond orientation the closure member substantially sealingly reclosesthe opening and hence the container.

The port preferably has a greater diameter in a first direction and alesser diameter in a second direction substantially perpendicularthereto. The port may be substantially oval.

The closure member preferably comprises an engagement part with agreatest diameter in a longitudinal direction

The closure member is preferably configured such that it can only beintroduced into, or removed from, the port when the longitudinaldirection of the engagement part is at least generally parallel to thefirst direction of the port. The assembly is preferably configured suchthat when the closure member is located in the port in the firstorientation, and then rotated to the second orientation, the engagementpart engages the underside of the main part adjacent the port around thesecond direction.

A flange is preferably provided around the port on the underside of themain part, against which flange the engagement part is engagable. Theflange is preferably tallest at the part of the port adjacent the seconddirection, and the height of the flange may be substantially inverselyproportional to the diameter of the port at any point.

The closure member may comprise an upper part which is always in normaluse located outside of the container, and a body part extendingtherefrom which provides at or adjacent its free end the engagementpart.

The body part is preferably slidably locatable substantially in thecentre of the port.

The engagement part may comprise diametrically opposite projections onthe body part, spaced from the upper part.

The upper part may be larger than the port so as to wholly cover theport when the closure member closes same. A handle part, which maycomprise a projecting finger, is preferably provided on the upper partto facilitate rotation thereof.

A sealing member may be provided on the underside of the upper part andengageable against the main part around the opening. made of neoprene,and which may be in the form of a washer located around the body part.

A breakable seal may be provided extending between the closure memberand the main part to provide a visual indication when a container hasbeen opened. The breakable seal is preferably arranged such that it mustbe broken to permit the closure member to move from the secondorientation to the first orientation.

A link member may be provided extending between the closure member andthe main part to prevent loss of the closure member.

A depression may be provided in the upper surface of the main part tofacilitate rotation of the closure member.

The invention also provides an opening assembly for a drinks can, theassembly being according to any of the preceding fourteen paragraphs.

The invention further provides a beverage container including an openingassembly according to any of the preceding fifteen paragraphs.

The container may comprise a can. Alternatively, the container may bemade of plastics material.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way ofexample only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic partially cut away perspective view from aboveof part of a first opening assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view from below of a similar partof the assembly of FIG. 1 in a closed condition;

FIG. 3 is a similar view to FIG. 2 but in an open condition;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively upper and lower perspective views of partof the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of further parts of the assembly ofFIG. 1; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 are plan views respectively in a fully closed andpartially closed condition of a second opening assembly according to theinvention.

FIGS. 1 to 7 show a first opening assembly 10 suitable for use on a canfor containing carbonated beverages. The assembly 10 forms the top partof a can and will be mounted to an upstanding flange of the canfollowing filling.

The assembly 10 comprises an upstanding flange 12 surrounding agenerally planar main part 14. A port in the form of an oval opening 16is provided in the main part 14, towards one side thereof. A flange 18is provided around the underside of the opening 16, and the height ofthe flange 18 is substantially inversely proportional to the diameter ofthe opening 16 at any point, and hence is at its tallest at the narrowpart of the opening 16.

A closure member 20 is provided which in a closed condition is attachedto the main part 14 by a breakable seal 22. The closure member 20comprises an upper part 24 of generally circular configuration with afinger 26 projecting therefrom, and also a smaller tab 28 which mountsthe breakable seal 22. On the underside in use of the upper part 24, abody part 30 which is cylindrical is provided. A neoprene washer 32extends around the body part 30 against the underside of the upper part24. An engagement member 34 is mounted on the underside of the body part30 and provides two diametrically opposite radial fingers 36.

The assembly 10 can be formed using conventional techniques, with theopening 16 being formed by pressing, and the flange 18 therearound alsobeing formed by pressing. The body part 30 is formed by pressing out acentral part of the upper part 24, and in fact leaves a well 38 in thetop of the upper part 24. The engagement member 34 comprises a disc withtwo diametrically opposite fingers, and is riveted onto the body part30.

In use, a can or other container is filled and the assembly 10 mountedthereon in a conventional manner. The assembly 10 will be closed asshown in FIG. 1 and this will be evidenced by the breakable seal 22. Ina closed position the body part 30 extends into the opening 16 with thefingers 36 engaging against the tallest part of the flange 18. Thisarrangement urges the main part 14 against the washer 32 which surroundsthe opening 16 to provide a seal.

To open the assembly 10 the closure member 20 is rotated in ananti-clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 1. This causes the seal 22 tobreak, and once the fingers 36 are aligned generally parallel to thelongitudinal direction of the opening 16, the closure member 20 can belifted therefrom. If it is required to reclose the opening 16 theclosure member 20 can be placed back therein, with the fingers 36pointing generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the opening16. The closure member 20 can then be rotated in a clockwise directionbringing the fingers 36 against the tallest part of the flange 18 andthereby urging the upper part 24 against the washer 32 and thus againstthe main part 14 around the opening 16.

There is thus provided an opening assembly of relatively simple andconventional construction but which provides for ready opening and alsoreclosing of a beverage container as required.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a second assembly 50 according to the invention whichis similar to the first assembly except as follows. Rather than a fingeron the upper member a wire loop 52 is provided. A breakable seal 54 isprovided between an upstanding part 56 on the main part of the assembly50 and the wire loop 52. A flexible link (not shown) may be providedbetween said part and for instance the loop 52 to prevent loss of theclosure member 60. A depression 58 is provided in the main part oppositethe opening 62 to facilitate rotation of the closure member. Theassembly 50 can be used in a similar manner to the assembly 10.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention. For instance, the opening may be a different shape,though the oval shape has been found to be advantageous in that itessentially provides for automatic correct location of the closuremember on the opening. The engagement member may be a different shape ortake a different form. The closure member may have a different form.Whilst the embodiments described above are described in relation tobeverage cans, such assemblies could be used on a wide range ofdifferent containers.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention tothose features of the invention believed to be of particular importanceit should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respectof any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbeforereferred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particularemphasis has been placed thereon.

1. An opening assembly for a beverage container which container issealed after filling, the assembly comprising a main part which closesthe container and in which is provided a port, and a closure member, theassembly being arranged such that in an initial condition the closuremember sealingly locates in the port to close same and hence close thecontainer, the closure member can be removed from the port to open thecontainer, characterized in that the port has a greater diameter in afirst direction and a lesser diameter in a second directionsubstantially perpendicular thereto, and following opening, in a firstorientation, the closure member can be relocated in the opening, andupon rotation of the closure member to a second orientation the closuremember coactingly engages against a substantially continuous undulatingflange integral to the main part, which re-closes the opening with aseal effective to retain gasses under pressure and hence the container.2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the port issubstantially oval.
 3. An assembly according to claim 1, characterizedin that the closure member comprises an engagement part with a greatestdiameter in a longitudinal direction.
 4. An assembly according to claim3, characterized in that the closure member is configured such that itcan only be introduced into, or removed from, the port when thelongitudinal direction of the engagement part is at least generallyparallel to the first direction of the port.
 5. An assembly according toclaim 4, characterized in that the assembly is configured such that whenthe closure member is located in the port in the first orientation, andthen rotated to the second orientation, the engagement part engages theunderside of the main part adjacent the port around the seconddirection.
 6. An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that aflange is provided around the port on the underside of the main part,against which flange the engagement part is engageable.
 7. An assemblyaccording to claim 6, characterized in that the flange is tallest at thepart of the port adjacent the second direction.
 8. An assembly accordingto claim 7, characterized in that the height of the flange issubstantially inversely proportional to the diameter of the port at anypoint.
 9. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that abreakable seal is provided extending between the closure member and themain part to provide a visual indication when a container has beenopened.
 10. An assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that thebreakable seal is arranged such that is must be broken to permit theclosure member to move from the second orientation to the firstorientation.
 11. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in thata link member is provided extending between the closure member and themain part to prevent loss of the closure member.
 12. An assemblyaccording to claim 1, characterized in that a depression is provided inthe upper surface of the main part to facilitate rotation of the closuremember.
 13. An opening assembly for a drinks can, characterized in thatthe assembly is according to claim
 1. 14. A beverage containercharacterized in that the container includes an opening assemblyaccording to claim
 1. 15. A container according to claim 14,characterized in that the container comprises a can.
 16. A containeraccording to claim 14, characterized in that the container is made ofplastics material.
 17. In combination with a beverage container, aclosure assembly comprising: a) a main part surrounded by a flangeconnected to the container; b) the main part including a recloseableoblong port through which the container contents may be poured; c) nearthe port a substantially continuous undulating flange integral to themain part; d) a subassembly for closing the port comprising: i) an upperpart for positioning above the main part in an overlying relationshipwith the port; ii) a selected one of a finger and a loop extending fromthe upper part for causing rotation of the subassembly relative to themain part in response to applied pressure; iii) an engagement memberconnected to the upper part through a body part in spaced relationshipfor coaction with the flange for caming the subassembly into a closedposition; and, iv) the subassembly being moveable between the closedposition and an open position to enable contents of the container to bedispensed through the port characterized in that the body part isslidably locatable substantially in the centre of the port.
 18. Incombination with a beverage container, a closure assembly comprising; a)a main part surrounded by a flange connected to the container; b) themain part including a recloseable oblong port through which thecontainer contents may be poured; c) near the port a substantiallycontinuous undulating flange integral to the main part; d) a subassemblyfor closing the port comprising: i) an upper part for positioning abovethe main part in an overlying relationship with the port; ii) a selectedone of a finger and a loop extending from the upper part for causingrotation of the subassembly relative to the main part in response toapplied pressure; iii) an engagement member connected to the upper partthrough a body part in spaced relationship for coaction with the flangefor caming the subassembly into a closed position; and, iv) thesubassembly being moveable between the closed position and an openposition to enable contents of the container to be dispensed through theport.
 19. An assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that theengagement part comprises diametrically opposite projections on the bodypart, spaced from the upper part.
 20. An assembly according to claim 18,characterized in that the upper part is larger than the port so as towholly cover the port when the closure member closes same.
 21. Anassembly according to claim 20, characterized in that a sealing memberis provided on the underside of the upper part and engageable againstthe main part around the opening.
 22. An assembly according to claim 21,characterized in that the sealing member comprises a resilient member.23. An assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the sealingmember is made of neoprene.
 24. An assembly according to claim 21,characterized in that the sealing member is in the form of a washerlocated around the body part.
 25. An assembly according to claim 18,characterized in that a handle part is provided on the upper part tofacilitate rotation thereof.
 26. An assembly according to claim 25,characterized in that the handle part comprises a projecting finger. 27.The combination of claim 18 wherein the sub-assembly when in the openposition is removable from the remainder of the assembly.
 28. Thecombination of claim 27 wherein the subassembly is returnable to theclosed position after it has been removed from the remainder of theassembly.
 29. The combination of claim 28 wherein there is a washerbetween the upper and main parts when the subassembly is in the closedposition.
 30. The combination of claim 18 wherein there is a washerbetween the upper and main parts when the subassembly is in the closedposition.
 31. In combination with a beverage container, a closureassembly comprising; a) a main part surrounded by a flange connected tothe container; b) the main part including a recloseable oblong portthrough which the container contents may be poured; c) near the port asubstantially continuous undulating flange integral to the main part; d)a subassembly for closing the port comprising: i) an upper part forpositioning above the main part in an overlying relationship with theport; ii) a selected one of a finger and a loop extending from the upperpart for causing rotation of the subassembly relative to the main partin response to applied pressure; iii) an engagement member connected tothe upper part through a body part in spaced relationship for coactionwith the flange for caming the subassembly into a closed position; and,iv) the subassembly being moveable between the closed position and anopen position to enable contents of the container to be dispensedthrough the port.
 32. The combination of claim 31 wherein said flange isan elliptical flange such that the greatest depth of the flange relativeto the main part is substantially at a minor axis of the ellipse and thesmallest depth of the flange relative to the main part is substantiallyat a major axis of the ellipse.
 33. An opening assembly for a beveragecontainer comprising: a) an upstanding flange surrounding a planar mainpart; b) an oblong orifice in said main part; c) an inner undulatingflange formed from the main part surrounding the perimeter of theorifice; and d) a closure subassembly comprising; i) a breakable sealattached to the main part; ii) an upper part comprising a finger and asmaller tab mounted to the breakable seal; iii) an under part whichincludes a body part with a washer extending around the circumference ofsaid body part; and iv) an engagement member mounted on the undersidesaid body part and comprises a two diametrically opposed radial fingersfor sealingly engaging the inner flange.
 34. An opening assembly for thebeverage container in claim 33, wherein the height of the inner flangeis substantially inversely proportional to the diameter of the openingat any point, and hence is at its tallest at the narrow part of theopening.
 35. An opening assembly for the beverage container in claim 33,wherein said orifice is substantially oval.
 36. An opening assembly forthe beverage container in claim 33, wherein the greatest depth of theinner flange relative to the main part is substantially at a minor axisof an ellipse and the smallest depth of the inner flange relative to themain part is substantially at a major axis of an ellipse.
 37. An openingassembly for the beverage container in claim 33, wherein thesubassembly, when in the open position, is removable from the remainderof the opening assembly.
 38. An opening assembly for the beveragecontainer in claim 33, wherein the subassembly is returnable to theclosed position after it has been removed form the remainder of theopening assembly.
 39. An opening assembly for the beverage container inclaim 33, wherein said finger is provided on the upper part tofacilitate rotation thereof.
 40. An opening assembly for the beveragecontainer in claim 33, wherein a depression is provided in the uppersurface of the main part to facilitate rotation of the closuresubassembly.
 41. An opening assembly for a beverage containercomprising: a) an upstanding flange surrounding a planar main part; b)an oblong orifice in said main part: c) an inner undulating flangeformed from the main part surrounding the perimeter of the orifice; andd) a closure subassembly comprising; i) a breakable seal attached to themain part; ii) an upper part comprising a finger and a smaller tabmounted to the breakable seal; iii) an under part which includes a bodypart with a washer extending around the circumference of said body part;and iv) an engagement member mounted on the underside said body part andcomprises a two diametrically opposed radial fingers for sealinglyengaging the inner flange.